Aviva Premiership
Italy centre Campagnaro to join Exeter
ESPN Staff
February 19, 2015
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Italy centre Michele Campagnaro will complete a summer switch to Exeter Chiefs from PRO12 side Benetton Treviso.

The 21-year-old, who has won 13 caps for the Azzurri, has agreed a two-year deal with the Aviva Premiership club.

Italy centre Michele Campagnaro is tackled, Italy v Ireland, Six Nations, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy, February 7, 2015
Italy centre Michele Campagnaro was ruled out of the defeat to England with a back injury © Getty Images
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"We've been looking at him for quite a while, close to two years," Exeter head coach Rob Baxter told BBC Sport. "He's young, he's exciting when he gets the ball in space, but he's very selectable because first and foremost he's a very good defender."

Campagnaro was ruled out of Italy's defeat to England at the weekend after suffering a back injury in their Six Nations Opener against Ireland.

He enjoyed a memorable Six Nations debut last year when he scored twice against Wales, and has three tries for Treviso this season.

"If you watch his game on a regular basis you'll see him making a lot of tackles and getting the odd opportunity with the ball," said Baxter.

"We're very pleased with his defensive attributes, but what we want to do is add to that attacking game as well. It'll be a step up for him, but he's played very successfully at international level.

"We feel like we're putting together a very good set of backs here at the club and we play rugby where he'll get the ball in his hands."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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